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Tritons impressive in rugby season opener

AMES — The Iowa Central rugby team showed off all their skills in a convincing sweep over Iowa State here on Saturday.

In the A-side match, Herbert Evans and Dakota Southworth each had two tries as the Tritons rolled, 51-6. Iowa Central claimed the B match, 33-5, and won the developmental half, 10-8.

Along with Evans and Southworth, Jeorge Brinda, Tony Robinson and freshman Phoenix Twala each had a try. Harrison Dalton was 5-for-6 on conversion kicks and made both penalty kicks.

“We are just very excited about the victories,” ICCC head coach Brent Nelson said. “Our forwards really dominated this match. They did a great job of catching the ball and making out steps to put pressure on the defense. That drew the defenders in, which allowed us to get the ball out wide to our backs, who are really dynamic.

“We’ve also got some incredible depth this fall and we were able to sub in and get those players into the match.”

Evans, Southworth, Brinda and Robinson are all key returning players for the Tritons.

“Dakota was elected team captain, and true to form, he was just phenomenal,” Nelson said. “He’s a guy that should be on the radar to be drafted if that is what he wants to do after the season. He is one of the hardest working guys we’ve ever had here.

“Harrison was stellar kicking and really accurate, and it was good to see those other sophomores show leadership.”

Pride Gadzikwa had two tries with Jeremiah Bates, Dre’Von Strickland and Tyler Kelderman one each in the B-side. Gadzikwa was also 2-for-3 on conversion kicks and Oratile Molatlhegi had another.

Jet Ortiz and Noah Robinson each had a conversion in the developmental match.

“It was just a really great day, especially by the defense,” Nelson said. “To give up just one try in the first two matches, we were really impressed with them.

“I thought we applied a lot of pressure and stood strong.”

Iowa Central will make its home debut on Saturday at Crimmins Field against Marian beginning at 1 p.m.

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